The White House announced on the 1st (local time) that President Donald Trump plans to announce 'reciprocal tariffs' on the 2nd. It also explained that there would be no grace period and it would take effect immediately.
White House Spokesperson Caroline Levitt responded during a briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., to a question asking, 'Will reciprocal tariffs and the timing of implementation be applied this week?' by saying, 'As far as I know, there will be a tariff announcement tomorrow, and it will take effect immediately.'
Spokesperson Levitt said, 'President Trump has been hinting at this for quite some time' and noted, 'As you know, he has mentioned April 2nd as a day of liberation for America.'
When asked whether the 25% tariffs on automobiles, set to take effect on the 3rd, would proceed as planned, she answered, 'Yes.'
Spokesperson Levitt emphasized, 'We are focused on restoring America's golden age and making America a manufacturing powerhouse.'
During a statement before the Q&A session, Spokesperson Levitt said, 'April 2, 2025, will be recorded as one of the most significant days in modern American history,' adding, 'America has one of the most open economies in the world, and we have the best consumer base, but too many foreign countries are closing their markets to our exports.'
She continued, 'This is fundamentally unfair. The lack of reciprocity destroys our industries, depletes our workforce, and leads to large and persistent annual trade deficits,' adding, 'But starting tomorrow, the age of deceit is over.'
He explained, 'As promised in President Trump's campaign, American workers and corporations will be prioritized, and the historic actions to be taken tomorrow will enhance America's competitiveness in all industrial sectors, reduce massive trade deficits, and ultimately protect America's economy and security,' noting, 'America will provide the lowest tax rates, lowest energy costs, and least regulations to corporations that produce products in America and hire American workers.'